Only problem is, I'd like to use amazon for their amazing return policy. If I for some reason happen to dislike them (maybe soundstage or not enough bass) then I'd like to be able to return them. This is pretty much what happened with the Dt880s that I had. Do the He500's have more bass impact than the dt880s?

I got an open box refurb with VERY minor blemishes (tiny scratches on the earcup arms) for $500 and something on Amazon Warehouse last year.

I'm quite curious to see how the LCD-2's compare to the He-500? Does anyone still have wood cracking problems with the rev2 (still not the angled connectors)? Or would I have to purchase one with angled connectors to be sure that it wont happen? Does the sound quality justify the increase in price and much more delicate build quality--that can be damaged VERY easily and must be taken care of very well?

Well, it took you long enough to decide
. Honestly, I don't think you will be disappointed. Gratz...

Yeah it took me a while cause I was wondering if I should save up for the LCD 2 but decided I didn't want it because of the build issues and price. I sure hope I won't be disappointed, thanks for the help everyone! I will post my impressions when it's heard from a decent amp and dac.

Good deal, I keep wondering if i should have bought the HE-500 instead of the HE-400....

Don't doubt yourself, or get buyer's remorse. If you have a chance to attend a headphone meet in your area, I would encourage you to attend and you'll probably have a chance to hear the HE-500. You might also want to bring along some of your music and your gear so you can power them with what you're familiar with to determine how they might compare or contrast with the HE-400.

Don't doubt yourself, or get buyer's remorse. If you have a chance to attend a headphone meet in your area, I would encourage you to attend and you'll probably have a chance to hear the HE-500. You might also want to bring along some of your music and your gear so you can power them with what you're familiar with to determine how they might compare or contrast with the HE-400.

Yeah, just as I was staring to get into this crazy hobby there was an Atlanta meet and I had prior commitments, I was bummed. I'll try and go to the next one for sure.

and then if you did get the HE500 you be wondering if you should of bought the LCD2 or the T1 or the HD800 or LCD3 or some stax etc.

that's how it works.

or scenerio two: you get the HE500 and wonder if you should of just stayed at the HE400 or equivalent.

Haha! That's why I am SERIOUSLY considering getting a pair of LCD2 very soon! It sounds like what I like to hear sonic signature wise, as far as I can tell from comments and reviews. I've never heard them....

I think I am hurting my ears listening to the HE-400! I listen at low to mid levels too! This morning my right ear has a bit of pain when listening now after a pretty long session yesterday with the HE-400.

In simplest terms, it was the startling realism of the Stax setup. It sounded more like listening to live music as anything I've ever heard, hp's or speakers.

Please allow me to translate a bit more clearly regarding Matt's experience with this particular setup. Upon entering the headphone meet, Matt's eyes were immediately attracted to the Stax / Blue Hawaii combination due to the sexy glow of the tubes. Matt slowly made his way around the room, testing out the usual headphones - a few pair of self-modified Fostex headphones, some Grados and then eventually the Stax / Blue Hawaii station had opened up. Matt leaped over to that station and made it into the listening chair before another individual could get a chance to listen to the combination. Matt slowly placed the Stax headphones onto his head - enjoying the wonderful comfort that they offered. Then he set up the source so he could play some music that he was familiar with while listening previously on other headphones in the past. However, in that very moment of excitement due to all the sexiness of the Blue Hawaii amp, Matt accidentially drooled on the tubes and shorted the amp out. There was a bit of a "sizzle" that blared through the Stax headphones as Matt had started the music track about 30 seconds prior. In the end, it turned into a major disappointment for Matt as he had to pay $4,500 for the damages on the Blue Hawaii amp and he still didn't even own it. Then, the repairs on the Stax headphones due to the "sizzle" that partially zapped the drivers ended up costing another $1,500.

In the end, it was actually a disappointing listening session for Matt as that simple, 30-second demo cost him $6,000.